Symptoms of measles include a fever, cough, runny nose and a blotchy, red rash that appears three to seven days after the fever begins.

AHS renews plea for immunizations

“This case, like most of the cases in Edmonton, could have been prevented.” said Johnson on Wednesday, adding that immunization is one of two effective strategies to stop the virus’ spread.

“The other important strategy is when you are ill – please stay home. This is important in measles, is important in influenza, is important in Norovirus – in virtually everything. When you’re ill, with a fever, cough, rash, illness – please stay home and call Health Link for advice.”

For those that must visit a clinic or doctor’s office, Johnson advised wearing a mask and reporting symptoms to a frontline worker immediately upon arrival.

“This is a severe illness, it’s a very contagious illness. We can prevent it,” she repeated, adding there are still spots available for anyone wanting an immunization shot at “virtually all of our public health centres.”

Asked whether the outbreak status would be called off anytime soon, Johnson said “it is way too soon to say we’ve seen the end of of it.”

“Each new case provides the opportunity for another whole circle for exposures to other vulnerable people,” she said. “Each new case is not good news for us. It’s like another spark on another pile of kindling when you’re trying to put a fire out.”

Corrections

An earlier version of this story said the child visited the Dynalife Laboratory at Tawa Centre (3011- 66th Street) from 10:50 p.m. on May 11 until 1:10 a.m. on May 12, when in fact he actually was there from 10:50 a.m. until 1:10 p.m. on May 11. AHS issued the correction on May 15. The story has been updated to reflect this.